UChicago/Hyde Park = Dangerous?

Sarquois
Mon, 08 Apr 2013 01:24:55 +0000

Hi MomofKat,

I’m a first year, and my mother (naturally) had similar concerns. I ensure you that I have never felt unsafe on or near campus, day or night. Of course, to insist that it is entirely safe to wander around would be naive. Generally, south of the midway (beyond BJ and South Campus dorms) becomes more dangerous, especially at night. However, I know several students who live off campus south of the midway and haven’t had problems.

People do get mugged; it’s inevitable. However, there is an extensive “Blue Light” system (posts with emergency buttons automatically alerting the UCPD for help), and, at night, there are UCPD patrollers everywhere willing to accompany you back to the dorm if you feel at all unsafe. Hyde Park itself is a very lovely and safe neighborhood.

I would say that, yes, there are some safety concerns. The university has done a great job, though, at mitigating such issues.